1
as in speech
the art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively
a presidential hopeful with a gift for oratory and a highly charismatic personality
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rhetoric
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
the politician's oratory sounded good only to people who didn't bother to think
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oratory
On Friday, as the Rams prepared for the second night of the draft, McVay used his oratory skills before another assemblage of pros.
—
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Netanyahu has done little to aid Ukraine even in his oratory.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Revisiting ancient Greek oratory and today’s communication courses, speaking has obviously been prioritized over listening.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Netanyahu has done little to aid Ukraine even in his oratory.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oratory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oratory
Noun
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Over the years, JWoww has spoken up about Greyson’s autism diagnosis, sharing advice and celebrating his wins, like reading and speech improvement.—
Beth Sobol,
People.com,
7 July 2025
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Antisemitism has taken on a new mechanism: the deliberate failure to defend the rights of Jews by groups that properly speak out against attempts to suppress the rights — speech, academic freedom and assembly — of African-Americans, gays, transgender people and other minorities.—
Alan M. Dershowitz,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Concerns over antisemitic rhetoric and vandalism didn’t even tighten the race.—
Sara Forman,
New York Daily News,
8 July 2025
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Trump also targeted Canada in his rhetoric, suggesting the country could become the 51st state in the U.S.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The recordings also capture Bell’s family background in elocution (his father, grandfather, and brother all taught the subject).—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2018
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The Bartlet staff’s righteous (and self-righteous) elocution might seem — to the cynical — sentimental, treacly, smarmy, or just eye-roll-inducingly dumb.—
Lizzie Logan,
Vulture,
23 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Key educational components like public speaking and presenting, as well as activities fostering social engagement, can uplift students at kindergarten age and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.—
Andrea Vargas,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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The Leo full moon on the 12th encourages you to use your voice more boldly, whether that’s through writing, teaching, public speaking, or social media.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oratory. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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